Category: Listen

Thanks to Spotify’s Discover feature, several weeks ago I stumbled upon the incredible group that is Lucius. “Two Of Us On the Run” is the track that had me hooked from the opening chord. This group is a delicious blend of vocal harmonies, elegant instrumentals, and endearing lyrics. As soon as I heard this song, it stirred something in my soul. I’ll admit I’ve listened to it on repeat quite a few times. It’s just beautiful, and creative, and so emotionally connected that it’s almost hypnotizing the way the band can capture a listener’s attention. I knew this song would have a home on many mixed CDs I’d make in the future, and I’m constantly asking friends if they’ve heard it yet. So, that’s why I knew this was a song I just had to share with you guys. The Brooklyn-based band might be classified as pop, but don’t brush them off as bubblegum. Lucius has a special, graceful and soulful vibe to their songs. Obviously I’m a little bit behind in this find, but am so excited now that I know. If you haven’t listened to them yet, I strongly suggest you get to it! And for those of you lucky west coasters – they’re on tour! Go check them out in Bellingham, Portland, Eugene, and Petaluma!

Thanks to The Wild Honey Pie you can listen to this beautifully, raw version of “Two Of Us On the Run”

I had the pleasure of seeing Florence and the Machine perform live at Bonnaroo a few weeks ago. I’ve been listening to them for a while, but I was blown away by what an incredible experience the live show was. Florence Welch just has such an amazing, genuine intensity about her. I love when artists pour their everything into a show, and she definitely seemed to do so. Their set was only about an hour, (I personally think she should totally have a longer scheduled set in the future – just sayin’) but oh my goodness that hour was full of such passionate, pure music. Her voice is something to be marveled at. Since the festival, I’ve had a heavy rotation of several artists on repeat – Dawes, Kacey Musgraves, and Florence and the Machine have been the top ones lately. There’s no way I could ever pick a favorite song, but I’d like to share “St.Jude” from her most recent album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful with you today. Her lyrics speak to me from each track, but something different came over me the first time I really listened:

And I’m learning, so I’m leavingAnd even though I’m grievingI’m trying to find the meaningLet loss reveal it

And “maybe I’ve always been more comfortable in chaos” because maybe I have. I read this really interesting interview with her from The Guardian that shed a lot of insight on her life. I think a lot of people can probably relate to the emotions she expresses there. Anyway ramble ramble about how absolutely fabulous Florence Welch is, now time for some music (and a stunning work of visual art!)

My oh my, “Hush” by Angus and Julia Stone is one of the most beautiful songs I know. Somehow it has played on shuffle, each time I’ve been on a walk or run at Cascades Park the past few weeks, and every time I’m reminded of just how lovely it is. The song feels like a lullaby for grownups. The melody and the words, and the culmination of beauty just soothes me. Something about the song has a very calming power. I was first introduced to the fabulous duo on a mixed CD my friend Emily made me in college; one of the tracks was “Red Berries.” They have a very memorable sound, and years later I’m just as in love as the first time I heard them. Perhaps you’re winding down from a busy weekend, or you’re gearing up for a busy work week. If you need a moment to just breathe and remind yourself to take it easy – this song is a great assistant for that. Give yourself a little chill moment.

I have been binge watching Ally McBeal on Netflix recently. That’s a whole other story, but an on-going story line in the series is that Ally’s therapist suggests we all need a “theme song.” That song you hear in your head that gives you confidence and encourages you to be you, throughout your days. When you’re feeling down, just let that song come to you and live it out.

In more recent days if asked, I’d say my song was probably “Follow Your Arrow” by the amazing Kacey Musgraves. Now, though? I am captivated by Kenny Chesney’s (featuring Grace Potter!!!) “Wild Child.” What a beautiful song! The video is also picturesque – very natural and spirited. The lyrics though…if I’ve ever heard my soul being spoken to through a song – reflecting it? This is it.

“A kaleidoscope of colors in her mind childA touch of crazy hides behind her wild smileSo simple yet experimentalInnocent but still a little wild child”

See for yourself how wonderful this song is by watching the video below:

Alright, I know everything I’ve been posting lately probably seems oddly interconnected (like my posts for Wish I Was Here, which Zach Braff made and used The Shins music in, and he also made Garden State, which features the line: “You’ve gottahear this song, it’ll change your life, I swear.” (That one’s in reference to “New Slang.”) Anyway, recently I was reminded of the beauty in “Simple Song” by the Shins. And it really is just that…a simple song. The Shins are one of my chill out bands. I can throw on their music and just tune out. It’s nice to have songs like that to turn to at times. If you’re not familiar with this one, I suggest you check out the official video below. And I’ll leave you with my favorite line:

“Love’s such a delicate thing that we do, with nothing to prove, which I never knew…”